You need something that will read the VHS tape, and convert it to digital data. There are a number of VHS/DVD writers out there, made by major manufacturers like Panasonic. I have personally used a Sony camcorder that had a built in digitizing function, that I would hook my VCR up to, and plug into my computer. That worked great. There are also products out there at electronic stores (Frys, Best Buy, etc.) that will do that as well.

It depends what you want. Are you looking for the easiest thing? In which case, try something like the Panasonic Progressive Scan DVD with VHS VCR. That will allow you to put your VHS tapes directly onto a DVD. If you want to get a little more creative, and work with the digital video, then use a capture device, like THIS. It comes with the capture device, and software to help you do what you want, after you get the video content digitized.

@cockswain Would you please go back and give the bigger than a nusthell version? I’d like to know this myself, and I can just see my stupid ass holding the VCR cord in one hand, looking blankly at my computer with drool coming out the corner of my mouth.

@nope Thanks for the link. That sounds like what I am after. My mom just wants to put her VHS movie collection and home videos from like the 1970s on to DVDs so she won’t want a capture device. Thanks.

I used a analog-to-digital conversion gadget and cannot recommend it. I just used it for all the family history recordings. Forget movies unless they are very rare and available on VHS only. Get the DVD instead.